The materials employed in the harsh environment of industrial application, either in aerospace and power generation products, chemical processing or oil and gas, may be the most significant consideration in the success and safety. Ordinary steels will fail in the instances which demand excessive heat and pressure including corrosive environment. This is the family of high-performance nickel-chromium superalloys or Inconel as it is commonly known.
Specifically, we are entering two most popular and rather versatile representatives of this family: Inconel 600 and Inconel 718. The two, though offering amazing anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation properties in high temperatures, differ in their compositions, hardening processes, and properties making them applicable in different critical applications. These differences are worthy of knowing not only in enhancing them but also in the working temperatures of each of the materials and lastly the cost of each material in order to make the best decision on the material to use in your project.
Difference between Inconel 600 vs 718
The fundamental difference between Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 lies in their primary compositions, strengthening mechanism etc. These are discussed as below:
Inconel Alloy 600
Inconel Alloy 600 is also known as Nicrofer 716, Pyromet Alloy 600 and Nicrimphy 600. It is a Nickel-Chromium alloy which is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures. The high content of nickel renders Inconel Alloy 600 resistant to stress-corrosion cracking by chloride ions.
One of the most important features of the Inconel 600 material is that it is not a precipitation-hardenable alloy. It does not require age-hardening processes as only cold work enhances the strength of Inconel 600. This is easy to fabricate and weld, and it is a good choice of components that need a lot of cold-forming. The specification of Inconel 600 enables it to work in a wide temperature span, ranging between cryogenic temperatures and 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (1093 degrees Celsius) although its mechanical strength greatly declines over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit (650 degrees Celsius). With this knowledge of the specifications, you will be able to buy your Inconel 600 material to use in your projects.
Inconel 600 Chemical Composition, Equivalent Material, and Properties
The specific blend of high nickel (72.0% min) and chromium (14.0–17.0%) gives Inconel 600 its key performance advantages.
|
Inconel 600 (% by Weight) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Iron (Fe) |
Carbon (C) |
|
Composition |
72.0 min |
14.0 – 17.0 |
6.0 – 10.0 |
0.15 max |
- Key Performance Feature: Exceptional resistance to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking and good performance in reducing and oxidizing high-temperature environments.
- Mechanical Strength (Annealed/Hot-Finished): Moderate. Typical ultimate tensile strength is around 95,000 psi.
- Hardening: Non-age-hardenable; strengthened by cold work.
- Inconel 600 Equivalent Material: UNS N06600 and Werkstoff Nr. 2.4816.
Inconel 718
The Inconel 718 alloy is designed to be very high in terms of high temperature mechanical strength. It is a nickel-based precipitation hardenable alloy, designed to have very high yield, tensile, and creep-rupture strength at the high temperatures of up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit (704 degrees Celsius). The controlled age-hardening (precipitation hardening) heat treatment is a method to attain this strength by establishing secondary phases in the material structure.
One of the greatest advantages is the comparatively low rate of age-hardening of Alloy 718; annealing and welding can be performed without spontaneous hardening during heating and cooling, which is a feature that enhances its weldability relative to most other high-strength superalloys. It is significant to know Inconel 718 material properties and Inconel 718 specifications so that you can make the correct decision in regard to your projects.
Inconel 718 Chemical Composition, Grades and Properties
Inconel 718 chemical composition includes significant additions of Niobium (Columbium), Molybdenum, and Titanium, which are the elements responsible for its remarkable precipitation-hardening response and subsequent high-strength performance.
|
Element |
Inconel 718 (% by Weight) |
|
Nickel (Ni) |
50.0 – 55.0 |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
17.0 – 21.0 |
|
Iron (Fe) |
Remainder (Balance) |
|
Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta) |
4.75 – 5.50 |
|
Molybdenum (Mo) |
2.80 – 3.30 |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
0.65 – 1.15 |
- Key Performance Feature: Superior high-temperature strength, exceptional fatigue, and creep resistance up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit (704 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical Strength (Solution Treated and Aged): Very high. Typical ultimate tensile strength can exceed 185,000 psi.
- Hardening: Precipitation-hardenable (age-hardenable) through heat treatment.
- Inconel 718 Specification: UNS N07718 and Werkstoff Nr. 2.4668.
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Inconel 600 vs 718: Performance and Application Comparison
The choice between Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 fundamentally rests on whether your application is driven by:
- Corrosion Resistance/Cryogenic-to-Moderate Heat: Select Inconel 600 when the main constraint is superior resistance to aggressive chemicals, particularly chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking.
- Maximum Mechanical Strength at Elevated Temperatures: Choose Inconel 718 when the design requires the highest possible yield and tensile strength, as well as excellent creep and fatigue resistance. Know more here.
Inconel 600 vs 718 Industrial Applications
Both Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 are used across different sectors and industries, depending on the project type and requirements. A detailed discussion as follows:
- Inconel 600 Applications: This alloy is the traditional choice for applications prioritizing broad corrosion resistance across reducing, oxidizing, and highly alkaline conditions. Its immunity to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking is critical in:
- Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers, stills, bubble towers, and condensers.
- Heat Treating: Retorts, muffles, and furnace fixtures due to oxidation resistance.
- Nuclear Reactors: Core components and steam generator tubing.
- Inconel 718 Applications: This alloy is the workhorse superalloy for high-stress, high-load environments where stability under heat is paramount. Its superior strength and creep resistance dominate:
- Aerospace & Power Generation: Hot section turbine components (discs, blades, shafts), thrust reversers, rocket motors, and jet engine fasteners.
- Oil & Gas: High-strength, high-pressure tools, packers, and mandrels for demanding down-hole applications.
Price Difference between Inconel 600 and Inconel 718
The cost of each material is an important consideration. In general, Inconel 718 is typically more expensive than Inconel 600 per kilogram.
This price difference is primarily due to:
Chemical Composition: Inconel 718 chemical composition includes higher and more tightly controlled proportions of costly alloying elements like Niobium/Columbium and Molybdenum, which are necessary to achieve its superior mechanical properties.
Processing and Heat Treatment: The specialized precipitation-hardening (aging) processes required to unlock the full strength of Inconel 718 alloy add to the final production cost compared to the simple cold-work hardening of Inconel 600.
Inconel 600 vs 718: Which One to Choose?
The choice of which grade of Inconel to apply, whether the non-age-hardenable Inconel 600 (or an Inconel 600 equivalent material) because it offers the best stress-corrosion resistance and is the easiest to fabricate, or the highly-strong, precipitation-hardenable Inconel 718 alloy because it has the best high-temperature strength, is life-and-death to the life of your complete operation.
When corrosion and cracking in such applications as caustic media or chloride solutions is the main problem, and strength is a secondary consideration, Inconel 600 is the workable and more economical option.
When mechanical loading at sustained high temperatures (above 600 degrees Celsius or 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) is the main constraint of your design requiring high yield strength and creep resistance, then the better performance of Inconel 718 is indisputable.
Best Supplier of Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 Products
At Kalpataru Piping Solution, we do not just supply these materials, but we also provide the know-how to get you the precise grade, form, as well as Inconel 600 specification or Inconel 718 specification. We are among the most reliable Inconel 600 suppliers and Inconel 718 suppliers, and thus we are confident to provide quality and reliability for all your piping and component needs. We stock both alloys in essential product forms:
Get in touch with us now to talk about your most difficult material requirements and experience our dedication to excellence.
Inconel 600 vs 718: Performance and Application Comparison
The choice between Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 fundamentally rests on whether your application is driven by:
- Corrosion Resistance/Cryogenic-to-Moderate Heat: Select Inconel 600 when the main constraint is superior resistance to aggressive chemicals, particularly chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking.
- Maximum Mechanical Strength at Elevated Temperatures: Choose Inconel 718 when the design requires the highest possible yield and tensile strength, as well as excellent creep and fatigue resistance. Know more here.
Inconel 600 vs 718 Industrial Applications
Both Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 are used across different sectors and industries, depending on the project type and requirements. A detailed discussion as follows:
- Inconel 600 Applications: This alloy is the traditional choice for applications prioritizing broad corrosion resistance across reducing, oxidizing, and highly alkaline conditions. Its immunity to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking is critical in:
- Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers, stills, bubble towers, and condensers.
- Heat Treating: Retorts, muffles, and furnace fixtures due to oxidation resistance.
- Nuclear Reactors: Core components and steam generator tubing.
- Inconel 718 Applications: This alloy is the workhorse superalloy for high-stress, high-load environments where stability under heat is paramount. Its superior strength and creep resistance dominate:
- Aerospace & Power Generation: Hot section turbine components (discs, blades, shafts), thrust reversers, rocket motors, and jet engine fasteners.
- Oil & Gas: High-strength, high-pressure tools, packers, and mandrels for demanding down-hole applications.
Price Difference between Inconel 600 and Inconel 718
The cost of each material is an important consideration. In general, Inconel 718 is typically more expensive than Inconel 600 per kilogram.
This price difference is primarily due to:
Chemical Composition: Inconel 718 chemical composition includes higher and more tightly controlled proportions of costly alloying elements like Niobium/Columbium and Molybdenum, which are necessary to achieve its superior mechanical properties.
Processing and Heat Treatment: The specialized precipitation-hardening (aging) processes required to unlock the full strength of Inconel 718 alloy add to the final production cost compared to the simple cold-work hardening of Inconel 600.
Inconel 600 vs 718: Which One to Choose?
The choice of which grade of Inconel to apply, whether the non-age-hardenable Inconel 600 (or an Inconel 600 equivalent material) because it offers the best stress-corrosion resistance and is the easiest to fabricate, or the highly-strong, precipitation-hardenable Inconel 718 alloy because it has the best high-temperature strength, is life-and-death to the life of your complete operation.
When corrosion and cracking in such applications as caustic media or chloride solutions is the main problem, and strength is a secondary consideration, Inconel 600 is the workable and more economical option.
When mechanical loading at sustained high temperatures (above 600 degrees Celsius or 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) is the main constraint of your design requiring high yield strength and creep resistance, then the better performance of Inconel 718 is indisputable.
Best Supplier of Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 Products
At Kalpataru Piping Solution, we do not just supply these materials, but we also provide the know-how to get you the precise grade, form, as well as Inconel 600 specification or Inconel 718 specification. We are among the most reliable Inconel 600 suppliers and Inconel 718 suppliers, and thus we are confident to provide quality and reliability for all your piping and component needs. We stock both alloys in essential product forms:
Get in touch with us now to talk about your most difficult material requirements and experience our dedication to excellence.
Enquire Now
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